Mysticism

This chapter introduces Bahá’u’lláh’s mystical writings and describes His use of mystical concepts and symbols. To understand the Bahá’í view on mysticism, this chapter offers a narrow and a broad definition of mysticism and examines the Bahá’í view on conventional practices, doctrines, experiences, and institutions that are the traditional loci of mysticism. The chapter considers the object of the spiritual journey in the Bahá’í Faith; provides an overview of the Bahá’í doctrines, concepts, and practices that redefine mysticism but continue the mystical narrative; and concludes with a discussion of how the Bahá’í Faith offers an organic alternative to organized mysticism.